Mathematics and Statistics (Placement Year)

Mathematics is an incredibly powerful subject that sits at the foundation of all science and technology. At its core it is the study of change, patterns, quantities, structures and space, and you will learn how to see the beauty of maths in everything; from patterns in nature, geometry in buildings, and relationships in data. You will be able to find and develop your passions, whether that be in statistics, data science, machine learning, probability, geometry or algebra.

Here at the School of Mathematical Sciences, we know that mathematics and statistics have a positive influence on almost all aspects of contemporary society. Our statistical experts are driving innovations in data science and AI, which are enhancing our day to day lives. As a statistician, you are open to a huge range of career paths, from developing personalised healthcare to cyber security, finance to neuroscience, epidemiology to natural hazard risk management.

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Mathematics and Statistics (Placement Year) degree begins by building your understanding of mathematical methods and their application in problem solving. Studying four core and two optional modules, you will explore a wide range of topics, from multivariable calculus, probability and statistics, to logic, proofs and theorems.

In Year 2, the five core modules deepen your mathematical knowledge in analysis, algebra, probability and statistics, you will start to work on both individual and group projects which will enhance your research and employment skills. In addition to these you will choose one optional module.

As you return from your placement into Year 4, you study two core modules and choose four optional modules that appeal to your interests, enabling you to delve deeper and gain the specialist skills and knowledge needed to guide you towards a specific career pathway. This could be in areas such as financial mathematics, medical or environmental statistics, forecasting, AI, epidemiology or statistical ecology. You will learn how to visualise data, create reliable statistical models and machine learning algorithms, and study effective strategies for the deployment of these methods. You will then learn how to communicate your findings to the end-user.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferable skills in data visualisation, data analysis, statistical modelling, problem-solving and computing, all of which make you highly desirable to future employers. These skills are honed by working in collaboration with fellow students, ruminating on theories and testing them out, delivering presentations and communicating your research results.

3 things our mathematics students want you to know:

• Our statisticians carry out amazing research such as developing solutions in epidemiology, medicine, infectious disease modelling, environmental modelling and understanding rare events. It’s so interesting and we get to learn about it first-hand!

• Maths is beautiful. You will see it for yourself. Once you begin learning, you start to see maths everywhere in life, all around us in nature and architecture, and that makes it easier to imagine the future possibilities

• Mathematics and statistics at Lancaster are incredibly collaborative. You will bounce ideas around with experts, or with students from all years. Our thriving postgraduate research student community has been right where we are, asking the same questions, and there’s even opportunities to talk with them and learn from them